| Hutchinson,
Kansas
Hutchinson,
Kansas is a strong and solid community that
serves as the seat of Reno
County. Founded on the banks of the Arkansas
River in 1871, Hutchinson lies 45 miles
northwest of Wichita, in the south central portion
of Kansas.
The Census 2000 recorded the city’s population
as just over 40,000.
Hutchinson’s
founder was a Baptist preacher, who mandated that
no liquor would be sold here. This kept the
city’s growth to a minimum, but also prevented
the rough and violent beginnings of so many Kansas
towns. The temperance ban only lasted until 1876,
but Hutchinson had attracted many of the devout Amish
and Mennonite
faiths, and the community retained its quiet
atmosphere.
The
first industry in Hutchinson was the selling of
buffalo bones. Settlers went out to the plains and
picked up the bones from the enormous herds that
had roamed here, exporting them for use as
fertilizer and knife handles. The discovery of
huge salt deposits in and around the town led to
the salt mining industry. Today, Hutchinson,
Kansas is known as ‘Salt City’. Agriculture
remains an important part of the economy, with
wheat, soybeans and corn as the main crops.
Hutchinson boasts the world’s largest grain
elevator.
When
the city of Hutchinson was only one year old, it
was chosen as the site of the Kansas
State Fair, and still holds that honor today.
This enormous event draws visitors from all over
to enjoy the celebration of the Kansas lifestyle.
The Kansas
Cosmosphere and Space Center is housed on one
of the Fair's permanent buildings. This marvelous
facility, including a planetarium and theaters,
offers education and delight. The Hutchinson
Zoo is another local attraction. It
specializes in native Kansas wildlife and plant
species.
Hutchinson’s
central location and low cost of living create an
ideal location for new businesses. Kansas
maintains an excellent highway system and
Hutchinson lies only an hour from the Wichita
Airport, a top-notch facility. Found in the
Nafta corridor, Reno County and Hutchinson have a
number of impressive tax incentives
to aid incoming firms. Hutchinson
residents have long held a reputation for a strong
work ethic, and have created a steady, dependable
work force. The outstanding Kansas school system
helps to maintain a well-educated populace.
Hutchinson,
Kansas offers all the components to create a
wonderful home. With the conveniences of a modern
city, but retaining a small-town, tightly knit
community spirit, Hutchinson is a great place to
live.
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